Browsing by Author "Shimelis, H."
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Item Characterization of Selected Cowpea and Sesame Accessions at Genetic Resources Research Institute (GeRRI) in Kenya: Adding Value to the Rich Collection(Australian Journal of Crop Science, 2024-01) Muthoni, J.; Shimelis, H.; Nyamongo, D.O.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya African Centre for Crop Improvement, University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Agriculture, Engineeringand Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Private Bag X01, Scottsxille 3209,Pietermaritzburg, South AfricaGene banking is the most cost-effective ex situ strategy for conserving plant genetic resources. It was developed for the storage of predominantly orthodox seeds. To maintain long-term seed survival and integrity of the conserved germplasm in the genebanks, seed viability testing and regeneration should be done occasionally. The seed viability tests inform which accessions need regeneration. In addition, adequate evaluation and characterization of the conserved germplasm enhances their wider utilization. The Genetic Resources Research Institute (GeRRI) in Kenya and Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI) undertook a joint project entitled Improvement of Technology on Conservation of Genetic Resources from 2015 and 2018. Korea- Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative was funding the project, while GeRRI was the implementing institution. One of the objectives was to carry out morphological characterization of sesame, millet and cowpea accessions conserved at GeRRI's genebank to promote their conservation and utilization. A total of 376 accessions of two crops (216 cowpeas and 160 sesame) were withdrawn from the conservation unit at GeRRI's genebank and characterized at KALRO's Perkerra field site during the 2018 long rains season. About 78 % of the cowpea accessions had reached 50 % flowering within 60 days after planting. Over 80 % of sesame accessions yielded <= 400kg of seeds per hectare. Multivariate analyses were performed to establish similarity patterns. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that four components had eigenvalues >1, accounting for 61.23 % of the total variability among the cowpea accessions. The first four PCs accounted for 63.95 % of the total variability for the sesame accessions. In addition, all the quantitative characters considered were important in describing phenotypic variation in these sesame accessions. The study has shown that there is wide variability among cowpea, as well as sesame accessions, conserved at GeRRI's genebank. All the quantitative characters measured in this study were important in describing phenotypic variation among cowpea and sesame accessions.Item Salvaging Early Generation Seeds and Enriching Germplasm Collection at the Genetic Resources Research Institute in Kenya(2023-08-01) Muthoni, J.; Nyamongo, D.O.; Shimelis, H.; Wasike, V.W.; Kamau, J.I.; Muchira, D.K.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) ; African Centre for Crop ImprovementIn Kenya, plant genetic resources are mainly conserved by Genetic Resources Research Institute (GeRRI). The institute (formerly known as the National Genebank of Kenya) has to date amassed slightly over 51,000 (fifty-one thousand) accessions. Recently, GeRRI sought to forestall loss of germplasm in the hands of plant breeders/researchers from various local institutions. This was achieved by reaching out to these researchers and securing genetic materials i.e. advanced selections, breeder, pre-basic or basic seeds that need conservation. In addition, GeRRI sensitized the researchers on the existence of its conservation facilities which can be utilized to safeguard research materials. Visits were made to KALRO centres and local universities to enlighten the researchers/lecturers on availability of conservation facilities at GeRRI and to develop terms of engagement concerning depositing of seeds for safe custody. During the visits, a short questionnaire was administered to researchers by the GeRRI team. The questionnaire helped in gathering information about the various activities the researchers were engaged in, their understanding of GeRRI and her facilities as well as the services she offers. Only about 28 % of KALRO respondents have ever requested seeds from GeRRI compared to 42 % from the universities. These low percentages could be due to the fact that some researchers are not aware of the germplasm holdings at GeRRI and/or the process of requesting for the seeds. In addition, fewer respondents (about 17 % from universities and 8 % from KALRO centres) have ever deposited their seeds with GeRRI previously. Most local researchers keep their orthodox seeds in stores in paper bags/gunny bags/plastic bottles at room temperature. This leads to rapid seed degeneration and increases the need for frequent regeneration. Both KALRO and university researchers lauded GeRRI for organising collection of these early generation seeds and also requested the institute to undertake similar activities regularly.
